April 22 is Earth Day! No matter where you are in the world this Earth Day, there are plenty of things that you can do to celebrate our beautiful planet. In honor of Earth Day, we're sharing some of our favorite ways to "go green" and reconnect with nature this April as well as every month. Here are our tips for green travel in Vail!
Vail's majestic mountains and pristine environment are a constant reminder of the beauty of our planet. Earth Day, on April 22nd, is a chance to celebrate the unique natural landscape and recommit ourselves to protecting it.
Vail offers a variety of ways to get involved and make a difference on Earth Day. The events taking place in honor of the holiday include...
- Climate Action Week: Led by the Walking Mountains Science Center, this week-long program (April 15th-22nd) features events and activities designed to empower you to become a climate leader.
- Town of Vail Community Clean Up: The Town of Vail's Green Team is hosting their annual "Poo Patrol" clean up in honor of Earth Day. Join in on May 2nd. As a thank you, you'll get to enjoy a free breakfast of coffee and donuts before the clean up and a free lunch after it ends!
Not going to be in Vail on Earth Day? That's okay too! There's plenty to do year-round to immerse yourself in the environment.
Vail has become a leader in sustainable tourism, achieving certification as a sustainable mountain resort destination through the Mountain IDEAL standard in 2018. Time and time again, Vail has won awards and accolades for sustainability. If you're looking for ecotourism, then you can rest assured that Vail has lots to offer.
The nature around Vail is a classroom like no other! Vail boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the country. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails, or take a guided tour to learn more about the delicate ecosystem that surrounds you!
Walking Mountains is a great place to visit if you'd like to learn more about Vail's ecosystem, or just about how to "go green" in general. They have three fantastic natural science learning campuses: the Avon Tang Campus in Avon, the Nature Discovery Center at Vail Mountain, and the Vail Nature Center at Vail Village. They offer all sorts of environmentally-focused experiences, ranging from guided snowshoe tours to a sustainable film series to climate lectures. View their event calendar to see what's going on when you're in town.
As you are planning your trip to Vail, remember:
Pack Smart: Lighter luggage leads to less fuel consumption on flights!
Minimize Waste: Opt for reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Bonus points if you buy them locally!
Embrace Ecotourism: Seek out tourism opportunities committed to sustainable practices. For instance, Vail Ski Resort has taken extensive measures to reduce their carbon footprint. They've implemented energy-saving measures, water conservation programs, and offer comprehensive recycling and composting. Take a look at their "Commitment to Zero!"
Utilize Transit: Public transit is an affordable, green way to get around town. Getting around Vail is easy without a car. Take advantage of the free bus system that connects visitors to all points of interest. You can also rent bikes or e-bikes, or explore on foot.
Leave No Trace: When exploring, stay on designated trails. Remember to remove your trash when you leave!
Shop Local: Prioritize locally-owned restaurants and shops to minimize the environmental impacts of shopping. We particularly love the local markets like Vail Farmers' Market! We also love supporting the area's many fantastic small businesses.
How are you celebrating Earth Day? Tell us in the comments!
